Kalamazoo, Michigan – The City of Kalamazoo is seeking input from the community to help inform updated zoning standards for the Downtown area of Kalamazoo. Residents are invited to complete a mapping activity where they will review and share feedback on proposed zoning maps. This mapping activity can be completed online, on paper, or over the phone until Wednesday, July 15.
- Online: To complete the activity online residents can visit the Open Town Hall platform where they will be able to pin their input on maps.
- On Paper: Paper surveys are available to print or can be picked up at Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED) Offices, 245 North Rose Street, Suite 100. After completing the survey, participants can either return the paper copies to CPED offices or take a picture of the completed survey and email it to Christina Anderson at andersonc@kalamazoocity.org
- Over the Phone: Residents can also call the City’s engagement hotline at 269-226-6524 to provide input over the phone.
In addition to the Mapping Activity, the City is also seeking feedback from those who have opened a business or developed a building Downtown through an online Development Project Survey. The survey asks for feedback on the review and approvals process they went through for their project(s).
The goal of this project is to create a zoning code that is clear and easy to understand, creates predictable outcomes for development, and ultimately help to achieve the community’s vision for Downtown. The current zoning code was last updated in 2005. Since then the City has completed two Master Plans including the most recent 2025 Master Plan which specifically calls for an update of the zoning code.
The code update underway would divide Downtown’s one large zoning district into three smaller and more focused districts. Multiple districts will allow for standards that support the right type and scale of development in each area while also being able to better link buildings and uses with streets and other public spaces.
The second phase of engagement for this project will look more specifically at the zoning standards including a discussion on permitted uses, marihuana business locations, building height, and parking. Later this summer, the standards and maps will be combined into a complete draft for the community to review and confirm before being discussed at Planning Commission and City Commission this fall.
Additional information on this project is available on the Imagine Kalamazoo project page at www.imaginekalamazoo.com/projects/downtownzoning/ For assistance or questions, residents are asked to call the City’s Engagement Hotline at 269-226-6524.